How to Ask for Feedback at the Workplace?

Career progression happens when you prove your merit in the workplace in every way possible. A workplace is a complex setting with lots of changing variables. Everyone is asked to do their job, and they need to do it right.

One important aspect of improving your performance at work is to ask for feedback. Generally speaking, 9 out of 10 people can improve on something they’re doing if they ask their colleagues or their boss about job specifics.

The same applies if they are the ones offering you feedback. Obviously, it’s not practical to receive feedback all the time. Otherwise, you run the risk of appearing incompetent.

Asking for feedback is a process where many different tips and tricks can help you improve at your job and get all the benefits that you deserve.

We’ll give a broad overview of how you can best ask for and receive feedback at the workplace, all the while ensuring you get the results you want.

How to Receive and Apply Feedback in the Workplace: 8 Essential Tips

1. Be Open to Criticism:

Before even thinking about asking for feedback, you should train yourself to handle hearing different opinions well. Many times, people lack the ability to accept criticism of any kind.

We’re not talking here about bad comments or accepting unwarranted criticism. We’re talking about actual, objective feedback that can help you improve.

Train yourself to accept feedback from everyone without becoming emotional. This will serve you well, and you’ll be able to apply what you learned immediately. 

Being open to criticism means listening without judgement as well. It requires you to thank people for taking the time to offer you some guidance and tips.

For example, if your co-worker sees you getting defensive when they’re being honest, they won’t follow through with their feedback, and you’ll be left feeling confused and lost about what to do next.

2. Ask The Right People:

If your issue is procrastination, it’s better to ask a co-worker in the same office space as you. If you work remotely, ask them what to do when procrastinating so that you don’t end up costing them precious time.

It doesn’t make sense to ask your boss about procrastination unless they themselves see it as a recurring problem.

Asking the right people is also a way to guarantee you get constructive criticism. Not everyone is willing or has the time to give you what you want.

Think of the people who have the most knowledge in the area you’re struggling in and ask yourself if you respect their opinions. Now, go ahead and let them know you want a different perspective.

Of course, don’t fall into the trap of asking people who have a high opinion of you already. That defeats the purpose of feedback. You want to learn and improve, so you should strive to ask colleagues who will assess you objectively.

3. Jot Down Every Idea:

If the feedback is all about you not being able to work well with others, write that down. If it’s about you being late to work, take the time to write that as well.

If it’s performance issues, highlight all the keywords that best describe your performance and go back to these keywords every day. By making a conscious effort to journal all the feedback you get, it becomes easier to apply it with daily practice.

Writing down stuff helps you remember it for a long time. It beats just listening to people talk, and it keeps you focused on improving.

4. Stay Focused:

Speaking of which, if you simply listen and nod along without actually paying attention, no amount of feedback will help you get better.

Your boss and co-workers want the best for you in these types of situations, so you should do your part by listening carefully to everything they have to say.

If you find yourself zoning out, it helps to take a deep breath, smile, and maybe try the Pomodoro technique if your situation allows it.

The important thing is to take every bit of information and process it well.

5. Ask Questions:

Feedback at the workplace is all about creating a cohesive work environment where everyone benefits from each other.

The proper way to capitalise on that is by asking questions. Try to get all the relevant information that you need by probing deeply and with reason.

For example, if your boss says you tend to be inconsistent with your reports, it helps if you ask them to specify where. Good questions to ask in this context are:

• Where is the inconsistency?
• How do I avoid that in the future?
• What can I do to write better reports?

By asking questions, you’re showing initiative and understanding your problem areas better. It also keeps you engaged with the individuals offering feedback, which keeps things interesting and fun.

6. Schedule a Time to Meet:

Asking for feedback out of the blue is not conducive to professionalism. Exceptions are if you and your co-worker are best friends, in which case it’s totally fine to ask them whenever you want.

However, for most situations, you need to discuss a proper time to sit down and get feedback. Do your due diligence by scheduling a meeting with your supervisor or boss at a time suitable for everyone.

This will give you time to prepare well, and it also gives them time to assess you properly. If you rush this step, you might not receive the feedback you want or you might end up losing points for appearing unprofessional.

7. Think About The Future:

• How will this/these meeting/meetings affect you going forward?
• Will applying all the advice you received help you get a promotion?
• Is there a way to correct any mistakes you might have made?
• Did you feel personally attacked when you received feedback?

These questions and more will help you better understand your responsibilities at your current job. It will also keep you honest by forcing you to examine your ability as an employee better.

After all, a vital part of applying feedback is introspection. You’re doing just that by asking these types of questions.

8. Apply Feedback:

Receiving feedback at the workplace is all about putting what was said to you into practice. It’s time to actually stop procrastinating if you do, stop being late to work, and stop being inconsistent with your reports.

This is where daily practice and a commitment to excellence will set you apart from everyone else around you.

Applying feedback is a process of self-study and constant refinement. You should read up on the issues you’re facing and strive to solve them. Use the internet, ask for help during a tough business day, or refer back to others who went through the same struggles you’re facing in your specific industry.

In Conclusion:

Feedback at the workplace is part of the job. Whether you ask for it or you receive it, the best way to handle it is to make the most of it.

Common issues facing people in this area are feeling personally attacked, not asking questions, and not asking the right people.

We’ve listed some tips that will make you better at handling feedback, thinking about it, and applying it, while also emphasising the fact that feedback is not criticism.

A word to the wise: it’s rare when people want to see you improve genuinely, so if you’re that lucky, you should welcome feedback with open arms.